Howl-O-Scream Orlando is back with new haunted houses, terrifying outdoor scare zones, thrill rides in the dark, and plenty of spooky fun. Running select evenings now through October 31, you don’t want to miss this event’s third horror-filled year!
We were so excited to be invited to attend the opening night of Howl-O-Scream Orlando. Thank you, Sea World, for inviting us out. Now, let’s dive in and explore all that’s lurking beyond the Howl-O-Scream gates!
*This article may contain spoilers for the 2023 Howl-O-Scream event.*
*All attraction descriptions are from Howl-O-Scream Orlando’s website.*
About Howl-O-Scream Orlando
An immersive, Halloween theme park event, Howl-O-Scream Orlando features five fearsome haunted houses, seven outdoor scare zones, three sinister shows, specialty refreshments, and branded merchandise.
Haunted Houses
First up, let’s explore the five, highly themed haunted houses featured at this year’s event:
NEW! D3LER1UM666 Laboratories
Explore D3LER1UM666 Lab, a government-established mercenary HQ established to counter the threat posed by the Sirens. Tour the facility and help support the cause. What could possibly go wrong?
With not one, but technically two pre-show elements, this house has one of the strongest introductions and storylines I’ve EVER seen at a Howl-O-Scream event. Plus, the entire house is focused on expanding the lore and legends surrounding SeaWorld’s sirens. I ADORED this house, and I can’t wait to return. Don’t miss D3LER1UM666!
@freaks_of_hhn Watch our FULL WALKTHROUGH of Howl-O-Scream Orlando’s newest haunted house: D3LER1UM666 Laboratories!! #howloscreamorlando #seaworld #seaworldorlando @SeaWorld Orlando ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
NEW! Dead Vines: Nawlins Nightmare
Feet don’t fail you now! You’re trespassing on her land and it’s going to take some Nawlin’s magic to get you through this one. Keep your head up and eyes open! You don’t want to miss this! In the end you might get beaded… or you might be-dead.
While this house carries the name and heavy influences from its predecessor, Dead Vines: Nawlins Nightmare is essentially a brand new attraction with updated props, characters, and scenes. Adding in tastes of New Orleans, guests will encounter Bourbon Street, a beaded monster, and Mardi Gras themes.
NEW! Beneath the Ice: The Meltdown
You’re about to witness the hottest rescue attempt ever made. The ice siren has been captured and her fiery sister has arrived just in time to release a blazing wrath and save her twin.
While this is technically a revamped house from last year’s Beneath the Ice iteration, the siren battle overlay adds enough intrigue and variation that it truly feels like a different attraction. There are lots of new lighting effects and special battle touches. I really loved Beneath the Ice: The Meltdown and its chaotic siren attack.
@freaks_of_hhn There are TWO sirens at the end of Beneath the Ice: The Meltdown! @SeaWorld Orlando #howloscreamorlando #howloscream @Howl-O-Scream Tampa ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
Returning! Blood Beckoning
Scratch’s strength is weakening and she’s out for blood. No one is safe and what Scratch wants, Scratch gets. Her beauty comes at a price…will you pay it?
I am fascinated by the story of Scratch, the blood siren, and her ability to transfix the humans around her. This house is relatively unchanged from last year’s version, but it feels so good to return to Scratch’s lair!
Returning! Captain’s Revenge: Drowned in Darkness
A ship on an endless journey sails by Darkness. You can seek the horizon, but you’ll never reach it. She has a hold of this vessel now, and you might have just boarded the last cruise you’ll ever take.
While Captain’s Revenge: Drowned in Darkness is billed as a returning house, SeaWorld has made several adjustments to the walking path, house effects, and storyline. For example, the traditional entrance to the house is flipped to last year’s exit – meaning that guests are walking through the house “backwards.” It is amazing to see how this one small change affects the overall journey. Additionally, there is a much heavier focus on the purple siren, Darkness. I’m a big fan of all the changes, and I think this is the best version of this house I have seen yet!
Scare Zones
Throughout the park, you’ll find seven outdoor scare zones. Each tells a different story with engaging characters and detailed set pieces.
NEW! Blood Light District
Those who walk the streets of this borough will tempt your deepest desires. You can fight their beckoning, but you will not win. Do not be fooled by their beauty and lust. Stay too long and you will be forever bound by blood.
By far my favorite of this year’s zones, Blood Light District is full of rouge-tinged lighting, fun window setups, and lots of innuendo. I really enjoyed watching the performers and engaging in small interactions.
NEW! Toxic Turmoil
A toxic catastrophe has caused this hidden chemical landfill to be overcome by mutated creatures, humans, and plant life. Your only chance is to make it to the exit at the other end of the yard. Be careful where you step, not everything is as it seems.
The replacement for last year’s Deadly Ambush, this zone contains lots of eerie set pieces and lighting effects.
NEW! CarnEvil Pier
The freaks, sinister Barkers, and demented clowns that inhabit the Carn-Evil Pier welcome you to stay a while. Have a drink and a snack. You can even try your luck at the games… but beware, if you lose, your soul belongs to the pier.
Located near the new Pipeline Surf Coaster, this zone is full of fun moments, specialty food stands, and intricate set pieces. I really enjoyed having personalized interactions with the actors in this zone!
NEW! Portal of Passage
Welcome to Portal of Passage. We invite you to meet some of Howl-O Scream’s most devious inhabitants. Have a drink, catch a performance, and enjoy the atmosphere while you wait for the night to begin. The gates will be opening soon, will you be a spectator, a participant, or a victim?
Appropriately located at the front of the park, the Portal of Passage is a great area to take in the atmosphere and prepare yourself for the night ahead. You’ll find a variety of performers, a themed bar, and lots of spooky sights.
Revamped! Terrors of the Deep
Out of the dark depths you will encounter a beautiful sunken village filled with remnants and treasures from the surface. These treasures have been claimed by a cursed Pirate crew that will give No Quarter to scallywags and landlubbers.
Terrors of the Deep has returned – this time with a pirate twist! It’s definitely missing some of the more iconic characters and under the sea feels from last year’s iteration. However, it’s replaced them with sunken ship vibes and angry pirates.
Returning! Frozen Terror: Alive in the Ice
The brutal Arctic conditions are the least of your worries. These will be the most persistent zombies you’ll ever meet. Not even the frozen Arctic wasteland can wipe these creatures, so remember that before entering this zone.
A fan-favorite zone from years past, Frozen Terror features some of the most gruesome props I’ve ever seen…at any Halloween event!
Returning! Witchcraft Bayou
It’s hazardous to pass through this backwater bayou, but there’s no way around. Voodoo and witchcraft aren’t real, right? Stay alert, or the dark magic will drag you down.
Another returning zone, this area is located right outside of the Dead Vines: Nawlins Nightmare house, creating a spooky and cohesive atmosphere for the Infinity Falls area of the park.
Sinister Shows at Howl-O-Scream Orlando
There are a total of three incredible shows at Howl-O-Scream Orlando.
NEW! Cursed Lagoon
What’s lurking beneath the surface? See for yourself…if you dare. Located in Forever Pearls.
Have you ever dreamed of meeting a real siren? Well, now you can at the Cursed Lagoon. This show offers pictures and interactions with a “real” submerged siren! It’s almost like you’re visiting her in an aquarium. It’s a really unique and memorable experience.
Returning! Siren’s Song
Who’s behind all these ominous occurrences? Here’s your chance to find out…if you have the courage to face her, and all the others she’s summoned to help her carry out the carnage. Prepare for special effects, hypnotic dancing, and spine-chilling savagery in this outdoor spectacle. This is the story of the sirens, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
My favorite show at Howl-O-Scream Orlando, Siren’s Song is a fun way to learn the event’s lore and be introduced to the spooky sirens. You can catch it next to Beneath the Ice: The Meltdown!
Returning! Monster Stomp
In the misty corners of Victorian-era London, a fiend known only as Jack the Ripper walks the streets. Watch him take the stage in a way you’ve never seen before in this modern rock and rhythm spectacular. Hold onto your seat as electrifying percussion, dancing, and singing combine for a show that’s as darkly entertaining as it is exhilarating.
Returning to the Nautilus Theater, fans adore this Broadway-style musical telling the story of Jack the Ripper.
Specialty Food and Merchandise
Specialty Food Options
Before entering the fog, we got to try some of the new specialty food options coming to the event, and they were delicious!
Zombie Taco
First up, we tried the Zombie Taco. Served with a healthy helping of thick cut bacon and Flamin’ Cheeto dust; this option had a lot of flavor without an overwhelming amount of spice,
Cheesy Mac
A plate of delicious macaroni and cheese with fried macaroni “nuggets” and pico, this was a filling option. The addition of the pico added a fresh flavor that really rounded out the dish.
Teriyaki Chicken Hibachi
Potentially my favorite of the dishes we tried, the Teriyaki Chicken Hibachi is served with a savory sauce and plenty of fried rice with egg and vegetables. Definitely a satisfying option.
Themed Bars
Scattered throughout the park, you’ll find themed bars offering event specific cocktails and lots of unique entertainment. Some of the bar options include Siren’s Last Call with a selection of gogo dancers, and Poison Grotto with aerialist entertainment.
Merchandise
And, of course, what theme park event doesn’t include a healthy helping of branded merchandise. There’s a wide variety to choose from with various color schemes and styles.
The Freaky Thought
Howl-O-Scream Orlando is a creative Halloween event filled with original storylines, lore-laden shows, watery imagery, and roller coasters in the dark. Starting at only $48.99 for a single night ticket, it’s a great value for Halloween fans and haunted house enthusiasts. Don’t miss this awesome event!
Visiting Howl-O-Scream Orlando
Howl-O-Scream Orlando runs select evenings now through October 31. Buy your single or multi-night pass online at seaworld.com. You can also upgrade your evening with Front Line Fear, food sampling lanyards, or even a VIP tour.
Don’t Miss Howl-O-Scream Orlando!
Filled with horrifying haunted houses, spooky characters, and roller coaster rides in the dark; you won’t want to miss Howl-O-Scream Orlando’s third season! Visit seaworld.com for more information and make sure to follow Howl-O-Scream Orlando on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
